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Robin Muchetu Health and Gender Editor
The Ministry of Health and Child Care says the public must not panic over the increase in cases of influenza being experienced saying it is the peak season of the virus and is very common.
Zimbabwe is experiencing its annual seasonal increase in influenza (flu) cases, typically seen during the winter months of June and July.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care is closely monitoring the situation through the national disease surveillance system and health facilities. There is currently no cause for alarm, as the increase is consistent with normal seasonal patterns,” they said in a statement.
Health institutions have been recording an increase im cases of the flue virus over the past months and some deaths have been reported.
However, the Ministry said vulnerable people must take extra caution to avoid contracting the flue.
“People at higher risk of severe influenza include young children and older persons, pregnant women and people living with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and HIV, or those with weakened immunity,” they explained.
These groups should seek medical attention early if they develop flu like symptoms.
The Ministry further said communities must take medication prescribed by healthcare professionals if affected.
“Most people recover within a few days. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, maintain good nutrition and use paracetamol for fever or body aches as directed.
Antibiotics do not treat influenza, as it is caused by a virus. They should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional,” they added.
Importantly, the Ministry said people must seek medical attention if you develop difficulty breathing, have persistent high fever, chest pains, severe weakness or confusion.
Convulsions,signs of dehydration; or symptoms that worsen after initially improving must also prompt persons affected to seek medical attention.
“For young children, seek prompt medical attention if there is difficulty breathing, refusal to feed, or unusual drowsiness.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. The public is encouraged to remain calm, take simple preventive measures, protect those at higher risk, and seek timely medical care when needed,” they said.
To protect oneself and others the public has been urged to wash hands regularly with soap and clean water or use an alcohol based hand sanitiser, cover their mouths and nose when coughing or sneezing.
They have also been encouraged to keep homes and workplaces well ventilated, avoid close contact with people who are unwell and if they have flu symptoms, they must stay at home where possible until they recover.
The wearing of masks in public has been strongly encouraged.
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